ABSTRACT
This boom explores some of the major themes currently under discussion both in academia and in the professional world of European public affairs. It links the academic contributions with contributions from established and respected public affairs practitioners to provide a rounded view of modern lobbying and interest organisation influence. Without a doubt a better understanding of the future evolution of lobbying strategies will help interest group researchers decide how best to orientate their own research. The impact of internet technology is surely changing mission of public affairs practitioner, but also nature of communication between the politician, civil servant, lobbyist, citizen and media. This chapter reviews some of the primary insights that have emerged from our contributors around these five themes of: Population growth and legitimacy; the role and mission of public affairs practitioners; explanations for the influence of interest organisations; the multi-level nature of European lobbying; and the impact of technological change upon lobbying practices.
